Page 51 of Coastal Candlelight
Beneath the table, Connor’s hand found hers, intertwining their fingers. The simple gesture sent warmth blossoming through her. His smile was quick and often, so different from when she’d first met him. He had an ease about him now.
Megan rose from her seat, gathering up dishes. “You go walk Amanda to her cottage. I’m going to clean up.” Megan turned to her. “I filled your fridge with some supplies, and there’s freshly roasted coffee for tomorrow.”
“Thank you. That was sweet.”
“Of course. We’re all truly thrilled to have you back here.” Megan hugged her.
Contentment washed over her as Connor took her hand and they walked the familiar pathway to the neighboring cottage. “It feels so right to be back here.”
“It feels right to have you back here.”
“I’ve got to find a permanent place to live though.”
“About that.” Connor shifted nervously from one foot to the other. “You’re an amazing woman, Amanda Kingston, and I’m so glad you came to Magnolia. You’ve changed my life. In a really good way.”
“I feel like I’m different since I met you too.” Her heart swelled with happiness and a sense of belonging at his words.
“How would you like to… live with me?” He frowned. “No, not that. I’m messing this up.” He dropped to one knee. “Amanda Kingston, would you marry me and make me the happiest man on the planet?”
Surprise and joy surged through her as tears began making hot trails on her cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes. Yes.”
He jumped up and swept her into his arms, twirling her around on the deck. He set her down abruptly. “Oh wait, I messed up again.” He dropped to his knee once more and held out a ring box. “I was supposed to show you this when I asked you.”
A single solitaire diamond sparkled in a simple gold setting. “Oh, it’s beautiful.”
He stood up and slipped it onto her finger. “Not as beautiful as you. And we’re going to have a beautiful life together.” He tenderly brushed away her tears.
“We are.” She was certain they would.
A little voice piped up from behind the palm bushes lining the deck. “Uncle Connor, did she say yes?”
“She did, Princess.” Connor threw his head back and laughed.
“Brooklyn Dempsey, you get back here right this minute and leave them alone,” Megan called out.
“Momma, she said yes.” Brooklyn raced across the sand back toward Connor’s, her voice carrying over the distance.
“Congrats, you two. Welcome to the family, Amanda.” Megan called out again.
“I guess you’ve got a readymade family, too.” He grinned at her.
“Couldn’t ask for a better one.”
And here she was. Living the life she wanted to live. Where she wanted to live. With a man she loved and a new family.
Who knew that when her parents had brought her to Magnolia Key all those years ago, it would lead her right back here where she belonged?
